Nigeria to bid for 2020 F5WC World Cup

All set for 2018 edition in five states
Nigeria is set to bid for the hosting of the 2020 World’s largest five-a-side tournament (F5WC), organisers of the event in the country announced yesterday in Lagos.

The tournament was founded in 2013 specifically for amateur players aged 16 and above in all parts of the world. Nigeria featured at the 2016 and 2017 editions and performed creditably. At the 2017 edition in Dubai, Nigeria defeated Singapore 4-0 before going down 0-1 to both France and the UAE.

The Chief Executive Officer of NewAge Sports Africa, Mr. Shamsudeen Yusuf, and the CEO of I-Sports Coliseum Limited, Boma Jacks said yesterday that arrangement for the bidding process for the 2020 World Cup had been concluded. “We indeed to host the 2020 World F5WC championships in Lagos, and we are confident of winning the bid,” Yusuf stated.

Yusuf hinted that five states, Kano, Kaduna, Delta, Ogun, Lagos and the FCT will host the national qualifying games on July 2, with the final slated for Lagos.

“We want to make the 2018 edition bigger and better, and that is the reason we are involving Nilayo Sports in the marketing,” Yusuf stated.

On his part, the CEO of I-Sports Coliseum Limited, Jacks, explained that F5WC provides an opportunity for amateur footballers to showcase their talents. “In other parts of the world, retired footballers derive joy in taking part in the championship.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) alone cannot develop football in the country if other interests are not involved, especially serious organisers with genuine interest who will complement the federation’s efforts.”

The 2018 F5WC World Championship will hold in Shanghai, China and Nigeria is expected to raise a formidable squad from the national tournament in Lagos.

Brand and Communication Manager of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Damilola Pedro, and Production Manager, Femi Abegunde, said that their company fell in love with the project because F5WC seeks to promote international integration, using football to bring people from different countries together to promote sportsmanship, healthy living and cultural exchange.